268 THE SO-CALLED "INCAPACITATING VICES." 



no cruelty can quicken. Loosen the harness; remove the shafts; pro- 

 cure some water, and permit sensibility to allay its parching thirst. 

 After a short space, the quadruped may get up of its own accord. No 

 time has been lost ; but disease has not been aggravated by needless 

 torture. When the creature rises, the fit has passed; but the author 

 doubts if the recovery can then be pronounced complete. He would, 

 certainly, brave "an accident" who should essay to drive a horse but 

 recently recovered from an attack of "kidney dropping," though this 

 hazard may be fi-equently incurred with apparent impunity. 



Allow the injured quadruped to remain in the stable, undisturbed for 

 the night. The following morning will be time enough for its examina- 

 tion ; for the disease under which the horse languishes is of a nature that 

 cannot be affected by the lapse of a few hours. 



The next day, having selected a piece of clear ground, cover the spot 

 thickly with straw, and have the horse led on to it. The services of a 

 veterinary surgeon are not imperative. The proprietor may himself 

 conduct the investigation : or, should he feel distrustful of his own 

 ability, any person possessed of the necessary amount of confidence may 

 undertake the active duty. All idle spectators should be first requested 

 to retire. Then the investigator takes his position as close to the quad- 

 ruped as possible. He runs the forefinger and thumb gently over the 

 superior spinous processes of the vertebral chain, or down the center of 



TEST FOR RICK OP THE BACK. 



the back. This action is repeated several times, additional force being 

 brought to bear with each succeeding trial, until the whole strength of 



